Rodger Lee Coauette

Rodger Lee Coauette, 79, of Fisher, MN, died peacefully in the Benedictine Living Community Crookston on Thursday morning, June 13, 2024. 

Rodger was born on November 30, 1944, in Crookston, the first of 2 sons of Lloyd and Edith (Larson) Coauette. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Anne’s Catholic Church, and grew up on the family’s farm in Andover township with his younger brother, Jimmie, better known as “JC”. Rodger began his education in Crookston Public Schools and later attended Central High School, where he wrestled and graduated with the Class of 1962. After working for a season with his father on the farm, he enrolled at Moorhead (MN) State College and earned his Bachelor of science degree before accepting a position teaching history in the Melrose, MN, school district. On September 26, 1968, Rodger enlisted in the US Army and soon found himself on patrol in the jungles of Vietnam. After a year-long tour facing combat situations almost daily, he returned stateside and was honorably discharged from active to reserve duty on May 6, 1970. In recognition of his heroic and patriotic service to his country, Sgt. Rodger L. Coauette was awarded the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and Nation Defense Medal.

Once back in Crookston, Rodger began working as a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department and on November 27, 1971, was united in marriage to Jacalyn Marie Langlois at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gentilly. While making their home in Crookston, he and Jackie were blessed in coming years by the births of 4 wonderful daughters: Kelsie, Kimberly, Stacey, and Brittany. Being the only male in a home of 6 meant his patience was often tested, but there was no father prouder of his girls than Rodger. In the mid-1970’s he began working for the State of Minnesota Office of Employment and Economic Development as a Rehabilitation Counseling Supervisor. Being able to make a difference in the lives of so many brought immense satisfaction to Rodger as he looked back over a 25-year long career of service to others. Not quite ready to completely retire, he then spent another 10 years with the Northwest Private Industry Council before officially stepping back in 2010.

Rodger was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish; also held memberships with the Crookston VFW Post and Eagles Aerie; and served on the Crookston Public Library and Crookston Park Boards. After moving to Fisher, MN, in 2005, he became very active in the Fisher American Legion and was the Post’s treasurer for many years. 

Rodger was an avid baseball fan cheering for the Yankees since he was a young lad. In his retirement, he attended games at every major league baseball park in the country and introduced each one of his 13 grandchildren to baseball while taking them to Fargo RedHawks and MN Twins games. The memories made from those outings will remain in the hearts of his grandkids for the rest of their lives. Rodger was a history buff, with a particular interest in the evolutions of baseball and the military, both very important facets of his life. He enjoyed quiet time reading and was often reading several books at the same time. He also enjoyed working in his garden.

Rodger was the very proud father of 4 daughters and sons-in-law: Kelsie and Chris Knecht of Hillsboro, ND, Kimberly and Justin Cook of Carrington, ND, Stacey and Michael Smith of Jamestown, ND, and Brittany and Ryan Moen of Bloomington, MN; 13 beloved grandchildren who brought him immense joy: Lloyd, Leah, Carter, and Ellianna Knecht; Mya, Mason, Lydia, and Fisher Cook; Haden, Peyton, and Owen Smith; and Evelyn and Franklin Moen. Rodger is also survived by the mother of their girls, Jackie Coauette of Crookston; his puppy, Charlie; his sister-in-law, Shirley Coauette of Crookston; niece, Kristin Coauette and her husband, Mike, of Lake Havasu City, AZ; great-nephew, Ethan Johnson of Crookston; great-niece, Kate Johnson of Lake Havasu City; extended family; and many friends. Rodger was welcomed to heaven by his parents, Lloyd and Edith; and brother, JC, who passed away on July 24, 2018.

Blessed be the memory of Rodger Lee Coauette. 

The Mass of Christian Burial for Rodger will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 24, 2024, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston with visitation for one hour prior to the funeral. There will also be visitation at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston on Sunday, June 23, from 5-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Fisher, MN at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 24, with Military Honors provided by the Fisher American Legion Post and the MN National Guard Funeral Honors Team. 

The services will be livestreamed with further information coming soon. Messages of condolence may be offered to Rodger’s family on the funeral home’s website at www.stenshoelhouske.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Fisher American Legion, the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, the North Country Food Bank, or the Jim Karn Baseball Field.